By Mark Scott
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-613452.mp3
Buffalo, NY – A Buffalo firefighter who was not expected to survive after being critically injured in a fire walked out of the Erie County Medical Center Wednesday.
Firefighter Mark Reed's wife pushed his wheelchair through a throng of reporters and firefighters. Just a few moments before, he climbed out of the wheel chair and stood at a podium on his prosthetic leg to thank his fellow firefighters and the entire community for their support.
Reed says he doesn't remember much from the night of the fire on June 10th. But he says he hopes to one day return to the department.
Fire Commissioner Michael Lombardo says the department would gladly welcome Reed when he's ready to return. Lombardo says there are a variety of jobs that Reed could perform even though he lost a leg.
Mayor Byron Brown described Wednesday as the best day of his administration.
And Reed's father, Edward, was beaming with pride about a son many are calling a hero.
Mark Reed will continue his recovery at home and will be returning to ECMC for outpatient rehabilitation. His van was escorted out of the ECMC parking lot by Engine 31, the company where he was assigned.
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